Into the Fire

In today's world of literature many authors become responsible for selling their wares or purchasing packages to do it for them. While some authors are very good at marketing themselves and their work, just as many are terrible at it – and that would include me. So those of us who stink at marketing must beg for reviews and hope they're good enough to draw positive attention to the story we've written. 

Personally, I love how Karin Kaufman presents the dilemma. She states how the need for reviews is essential in today's marketplace and then goes on to request that those who enjoyed her books would write just a few sentences to state why the reader(s) liked the story(stories). Simple. Easy. Necessary. With thanks. 

Brenda S. Anderson has posted articles for her readers concerning the need for reviews.

With unlimited novels to choose from no matter where you shop, there must be a reason for you to select the story, to pick it out of a crowd of others. Promotions featuring groups of books lead you to the selections, but something drives you to choose one or two over the others. For some, that defining element is the number of reviews and what they have to say. Personally, I rarely read them until I've finished a book. It's the blurb that draws me – and I must admit it is also that dynamite cover which sells it for me.

As a reader, how do you feel about reviews? Do they sell a book for you? Do you or will you write a review for a novel you particularly enjoy? Knowing how important they are to authors, perhaps especially for indie authors, will you jot a few sentences down on Amazon or Barnes & Noble sites to express your satisfaction – or dissatisfaction – with a book you've read?

As an author, do you make a point of posting reviews for other authors? What are your feelings about reviews? 

This is just another circumstance of the publishing game for "needy authors" . . . 

Father, help me to do what you ask. That's all that truly matters. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.